Herring only change for French battle

Rob Herring starts at hooker for Ireland against France on Saturday, an enforced and only change for last week’s win over Wales.

Dan Sheehan misses out through injury, with Ronan Kelleher providing cover on the bench.

Captain Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray will line out for Ireland at half-back with Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose continuing their partnership in midfield.  The back three are Hugo Keenan at fullback and Mack Hansen and James Lowe.

Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham will pack down either side of Herring with Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan adding ballast from the second row. Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier and Peter O’Mahony continue as the backrow unit.

The replacements include Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson, Jack Conan, Craig Casey, Ross Byrne and Bundee Aki.

Andrew Porter, James Ryan and Dave Kilcoyne are set to earn their 50th caps for Ireland against France at the weekend.

While France head coach Fabien Galthié has named an unchanged side, meaning Thomas Ramos continues at full-back with Matthieu Jalibert again among the replacements.

Ireland

15. Hugo Keenan
16. Mack Hansen
17. Garry Ringrose
18. Stuart McCloskey
19. James Lowe
20. Johnny Sexton (C)
21. Conor Murray

1. Andrew Porter
2. Rob Herring
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Tadhg Beirne
5. James Ryan
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris

Replacements

16. Ronan Kelleher
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. Tom O’Toole
19. Iain Henderson
20. Jack Conan
21. Craig Casey
22. Ross Byrne
23. Bundee Aki

Ireland v France

2023 Guinness Six Nations Championships

Aviva Stadium

Saturday 11th February

K.O. 14.15